About horses and horse ownership by two women who own horses and live in the midwest of the United States.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Mmmm.........That's Good!

Yesterday, the TSC store was out of 50 pound mineral licks so I picked up a small apple flavored lick to hang on the post until they restock their blocks and the girls went mad. They've already broken one the hangers for it. I can't use the Dumor brand ones that aren't as hard or compact because these will eat that kind of block in two days, so I have to use the generic mineral lick . Thought it would encourage Kola to better digest and drink a bit more. And in the poop post I mentioned Metamucil twice a week. It looks just like sand clear and it's the same stuff and much cheaper. Has anyone ever used Metamucil in place of sand clear or has anyone ever used a sand clear type product?

13 comments:

Haven't used any of the products you've described, but had to comment on how much the horses seem to be enjoying that apple lick. If I gave something that tasted that good to my guys, it would be gone in a really short time , I'm sure they would gobble it up.

You sure have had quite a time of it! I'm glad things are getting better and soon you won't have to be on Poop Patrol. Some of my guys like salt licks and some don't bother with them at all. I keep them available for all of them but one pony I have to keep one of the big ones in his stall all to himself, he just works and works on that thing. Our vet comes tomorrow for spring shots so I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that we get no reactions!

GHM, That's why I get the ones that are as hard as a rock and compact not crumbly, because the crumbly one are gone in no time...LOL

Midlife Mom, I do need to add the salt block. I will next week, I usually put out the mineral block and a salt bock for them. I'll need to get a mineral block for the goat boys as well. Better write my list.

What a good post. I'll weigh in. I used Sand Clear/Psyllium for several years. I never had so much colic! I'd buy the big 50 lbs bucket and dose them the 1st week of every month, and I'm telling you, someone would always colic. Now living in AZ, it's so sandy they tell you they have to have it. Now vets are saying no, you don't have to give it. I quit giving it, I've had one colic last summer and that was it.

Wow, Mikey, that's interesting. I used Sand Clear one year and didn't have any colic. I'm using the metamucil with Kola. I'm not changing Misty's regimen, which is nothing and she has never had colic, but I figure since Kola tends to do this now twice a year, I have to try something.

I've had very good luck with FiberPsyll made by Select. I give the girls each a scoop once a week, and if they seem a little off, I give an extra scoop or two as needed. They like it better than the SandClear. And I'm a fanatic about the water- fresh, clean - If they aren't drinking enough, I hold a bucket with a carrot floating on the bottom and they will fish for it.

I've been wondering about feeding Sand Clear too, since our horses eat off of the ground. I'm not sure we have sandy soil though, I think it is mostly dirt. Okay, dumb question, but is that considered the same as sand?? And Mikey, were you saying you used the Sand Clear and the horses colicked more??

I have not used any of the products you talked about.Ours love the salt blocks as well! I like having them to keep them drinking enough water and staying hydrated! Of course for some reason my daughter likes them as well! We will be out feeding and no matter how many times I have told her not to do it, I look over and she and Angel are licking the salt block! UGH! I give up!

Pony Girl, I don't have specific sand on the ground, but dry lots of dirt and their rough area in the pasture all dirt. I'm trying the Metamucil for humans from Walmart for $10, so far so good. I've used Sand Clear in the past and haven't had problems with it. I would call your vet and ask what they may suggest to prevent colic.